Gilberto on Patrick Vieira
From Icons.com - Monday 27th March 2006
This entire article is the voice of Gilberto himself:
Any of the other seven opponents would have been tough for us in the last eight, but Juventus was arguably the hardest. They are a more expressive team in terms of current form and players than most, and they are of course one of the most traditional sides in the world.
But I still feel quite happy that Arsenal drew a side which will be monopolising the highlights. This situation, where we arrive as dark horses could prove to be quite beneficial for us. However, we are going to need the same spirit we showed against Madrid to go through as underdogs yet again.
Nobody wants the Juve game to be the last European tie to ever take place at Highbury, but I'd rather concentrate on the positive things we can take from the situation. We prefer to think we have the chance of making history by winning Arsenal's first Champions League trophy – and doing it in Highbury's last season. Every player will be relishing this challenge. We are all anxious for this tie to begin.
Patrick Vieira's return to Highbury will be hard for everyone at Arsenal, but I do think the heaviest burden will be on Patrick's shoulders. This game will be a very emotional affair for all of us and especially for him. We will be meeting our leader once again, a person who was fantastic not only as a player, but as team-mate and as a human being. It is going to be strange. I just hope Patrick will leave Highbury feeling sad about the final score!
Patrick Vieira played an unforgettable part in Arsenal's history and the Gunners fans must welcome him warmly. They should give him a great reception as a simple matter of gratitude for all Patrick did for the club and for the commitment he always showed whilst playing here. His welcome back to Highbury cannot be different to that, and I don't believe it will. The fans will give him a special reception.
I have played with a lot of good guys in my career, but I can easily say that Patrick was the best of the lot. He has all qualities you expect in a high level player. His leadership, quality and courage were remarkable and that is why it was so hard for everybody to assimilate Patrick's departure for Turin.
It was a very sad moment when he left, especially because nobody was expecting him to go that time. It was surprising for all of us. But it was a very personal decision and we had to respect it. I actually have tried to call Patrick after the draw, but he still hasn't picked up the phone!
Even though he is doing fantastically well, I don't think it's fair to compare Cesc Fabregas to Patrick Vieira. Let the boy write his own history. Cesc is learning fast and has everything he needs to turn himself into one Arsenal's greatest ever players. But he needs time. It's encouraging to see him learning how important good positioning is on the pitch. I'm sure he is on the right path to greatness.
